The current elevators only go to the eighth floor.
An ADA-compliant elevator will be added that will travel from the basement speakeasy to the rooftop bar.
The historic elevators – and the elevator operator – will remain. The management team plans to provide an estimated 55 spaces, with one space per two hotel rooms. There will be designated parking spaces for guests. The rooftop bar will replace the Sky Bar and will pay homage to the building’s history as the site of WWNC, the city’s first broadcasting station, which began in 1927. The goal is to utilize the building for the local community first, and for tourists second, by opening a basement speakeasy, street-level shops, a lobby bar, a rooftop bar and a restaurant that would all be accessible to the public when the hotel opens in 2020. Woollcott explained that he and Thomas have decided that hotel use is the only business model able to generate the income to support the renovations needed, such as adding an emergency elevator, updating internal systems and outfitting the building with sprinklers. The Flatiron has not had any major repairs since it first opened and is in need of significant structural updates, renovations, and additions. Residential property (including condos and apartments) does not meet the criteria to receive these tax credits. In order to receive these tax credits, a property must be income-producing. Making the Flatiron into a hotel would allow the developers to pursue national historic tax credits via the National Park Service - credits that are specifically for preservation projects. Construction will be done by local company Beverly-Grant, who will employ area workers. Ownership will be transferred to the Flatiron Preservation Group, LLC. He has owned the Flatiron for 33 years, but does not have the funds to renovate the building. The current building owner, local Russell Thomas, supports the project. S.C.-based developer Philip Woollcott, is working with the local firm Rowhouse Architects on the project. On Apthe City’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposed boutique hotel planned for the Flatiron Building, located at 20 Battery Park Ave. Illustration showing the renovated Flatiron Building, courtesy of the Flatiron Preservation Group, LLC.
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